Bill Summaries: H1220 (2019-2020 Session)

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  • Summary date: May 27 2020 - View summary

    States legislative findings regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic violence.

    Directs the State Controller to transfer $100,000 from the Coronavirus Relief Reserve to the Coronavirus Relief Fund (both established in SL 2020-4). Appropriates the transferred funds on a nonrecurring basis to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) for the 2020-21 fiscal year to be used as a grant for Caitlyn's Courage, Inc. to conduct a pilot program in District Court District 3A, which consists of Pitt County. Makes the general provisions of SL 2020-4 apply to the appropriated funds. Restricts use of the funds to pilot program expenses only.

    Details the four components of the pilot project, including: (1) allowing the use of GPS tracking devices as a condition of pretrial release for defendants of crimes related to stalking, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and violations of a domestic violence protective order (DVPO); (2) establish a local implementation team of specified officials and individuals involved in the court system; (3) operate a 24-hour monitoring system that contacts victims if an offender violates a relevant pretrial release condition or a DVPO; and (4) train all program participants regarding the GPS tracking devices used by the program.

    Details seven specifications the electronic monitoring devices used by the program must employ, including the ability to record the offender's immediate location at all times and the ability to automatically notify the victim if an offender is within a restricted proximity to the victim pursuant to court order.

    Directs Caitlyn's Courage, Inc. to report to the specified NCGA committees and division by April 1, 2022, on the pilot program, including specified content such as current and future estimated costs of the program's implementation. Requires consultation with District 3A and the ECU Department of Criminal Justice.

    Effective July 1, 2020.